Buckwheat

Buckwheat, one of the most beautiful crops we grow, makes good flour and good soil. A pseudo-cereal, this plant is not related to small grains, in spite of having “wheat” as part of its name. Our Culver VNS buckwheat has been grown in Tompkins County since before 1847, and therefore is highly adapted to our climate. During the early 1900s, this area was a principal buckwheat growing region, and boasted the largest number of honey-bee hives in the US. It is used in our rotation as a disease-break crop, soil conditioner and a weed suppressor, and many farmers buy our seed to use as a cover crop. The benefits from harvesting its seeds are almost secondary to supporting our agricultural ecosystem. A highly nutritious flour, it is used for pancakes, crepes, and breads, to which it gives a nutty, earthy flavor. It is also used by innovative maltsters and brewers.